Kelly L. Gould

Is it fair to punish parents for the misdeeds of their children? (truancy, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, etc…)

Question # 2

Is it fair to have a separate legal category for youths? Considering how dangerous young people can be, does it make more sense to group offenders on the basis of what they have done and not their age?

Question #3

At what age are juveniles truly capable of understanding the seriousness of their actions? Support your opinion.

Question #4

Is it fair to institutionalize a minor simply for being truant or running away from home?

Should status offenders be dealt with by the juvenile justice system or placed with the state department of social services or some other welfare organization?

Factors That Contribute to
the Adolescent Dilemma

Ego Identity and Role Diffusion

Ego Identity

Ego identity is formed when persons develop a firm sense of who they are and what they stand for.

Role Diffusion

Role diffusion occurs when youths spread themselves too thin, experience personal uncertainty, and place themselves at the mercy of leader who promise to give them a sense of identity they cannot develop for themselves

Youth at Risk

Youth at Risk

Young people who are extremely vulnerable to the negative consequences of school failure, substance abuse, and early sexuality

Risky Business

Social life

Consumerism

Child care

Access to social
institutions

Self-centeredness their own interests over another- (are we taught this?)

Positive Trends in Well Being of American Youth

Children who have health insurance has increased

More children have received basic vaccinations

Adolescent birth rate was at a record low in 1999

Percentage of high school graduates who have taken advanced courses has increased

Long-term trend mathematics and reading assessment scores show improvement

Percentage of high school graduates to earn a bachelor’s degree has risen

Studying Delinquency

Crime and Status Offenses

Chronic delinquency

Delinquent transition to adult criminality

Analysis of the Juvenile Justice System

Major Areas of
Scientific Study

Childhood in the
the Middle Ages

Paternalistic life

Soil and feudal obligations

Castle management

Monastery or cathedral schools

Kids are treated as adults

The Development of Concern
for Children in 17^th and 18^th
Century England

Childhood in America

Courts and laws similar to those in England were used

Apprenticeships, indenture and binding were common

Master-apprentice patterns

National growth

Industrial revolution

European immigration

Factory Act- limiting hours

Controlling Children in
Early America

Moral discipline rigidly enforced

Laws control disrespectful and disobedient children "stubborn child law" (obey parents)

Parental rights to severely
punish were recognized

Laws to protect children more symbolic and rarely enforced

The Child Savers

19^th century
reformers who
developed programs
for troubled
youth and influenced
legislation creating
the juvenile
justice system.

Terminology and Concepts

Differences Between
Adult and Juvenile Procedures

Children are adjudicated and treated.

Adults are tried and punished

Delinquent Behavior
and the Law

Delinquent behavior is often sanctioned less severely because adolescents are believed to:

risk-takers

less adverse consequences than risks taken by adults

be more impulsive and be more concerned with short-term consequences

appreciate time and self-control differently

more susceptible to peer pressure

Status Offenses

A status offense
is illegal only because the child is under age. If the act were committed by an adult, it would not be criminal.

The Delinquency "Dilemma"

Delinquency is not new to our society but some forms have increased in severity.

How can we control delinquents and their behavior and protect innocent people all at the same time?

Should we "get tough" or should we act as the "wise parent" to bring about change?

Should status offenders be removed from the jurisdiction of the juvenile court?